Parametric 5-Axis CNC interpolation for spiral thread machining on spherical geometries.

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Title: Parametric 5-Axis CNC interpolation for spiral thread machining on spherical geometries.
Authors: Omirou, Sotiris1 (AUTHOR) eng.os@frederick.ac.cy, Charalambides, Marios2 (AUTHOR), Demosthenous, George1 (AUTHOR)
Source: International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology. May2026, Vol. 144 Issue 3/4, p2887-2902. 16p.
Subjects: Spherical geometry, Machining, Mechanical engineering, CAD/CAM systems, Interpolation, Manufacturing processes, Trajectories (Mechanics)
Abstract: Spiral-threaded spherical components, though less commonly used than their cylindrical counterparts, play a vital role in high-performance engineering systems where sealing, spatial efficiency, and multi-axis articulation are paramount. These features are indispensable in specialized sectors such as sealed robotic joints, precision biomedical implants, and aerospace enclosures. Beyond their role as coupling elements, spherical threads may also serve as functional surface features, for example as channels for lubrication, sealing, or controlled fluid distribution. However, the generation of such threads remains a substantial challenge due to the lack of native support for spiral interpolation on curved geometries within conventional CAD/CAM environments. This paper introduces a parametric interpolation algorithm for directly computing spiral toolpaths on spherical surfaces, supporting user-defined parameters such as pitch, number of turns, and thread direction. Compatible with 5-axis CNC machines, the algorithm synchronizes linear motion (X, Y, Z) with rotational compensation (A, B), maintaining the tool orientation perpendicular to the local surface tangent and ensuring a uniform thread profile that cannot be achieved using. 3-axis machines. Applicable to both internal and external threads, the approach eliminates the need for multi-step CAD modeling and CAM programming by directly generating curvature-conforming toolpaths and CNC-ready G-code through an intuitive graphical interface, thereby reducing dependence on user expertise. The proposed framework provides a scalable solution for manufacturing compact, mechanically robust spherical threaded components, addressing an overlooked yet crucial capability in advanced machining practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Copyright of International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)
Database: Engineering Source
FullText Text:
  Availability: 0
Header DbId: egs
DbLabel: Engineering Source
An: 194162830
AccessLevel: 6
PubType: Academic Journal
PubTypeId: academicJournal
PreciseRelevancyScore: 0
IllustrationInfo
Items – Name: Title
  Label: Title
  Group: Ti
  Data: Parametric 5-Axis CNC interpolation for spiral thread machining on spherical geometries.
– Name: Author
  Label: Authors
  Group: Au
  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Omirou%2C+Sotiris%22">Omirou, Sotiris</searchLink><relatesTo>1</relatesTo> (AUTHOR)<i> eng.os@frederick.ac.cy</i><br /><searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Charalambides%2C+Marios%22">Charalambides, Marios</searchLink><relatesTo>2</relatesTo> (AUTHOR)<br /><searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Demosthenous%2C+George%22">Demosthenous, George</searchLink><relatesTo>1</relatesTo> (AUTHOR)
– Name: TitleSource
  Label: Source
  Group: Src
  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="JN" term="%22International+Journal+of+Advanced+Manufacturing+Technology%22">International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology</searchLink>. May2026, Vol. 144 Issue 3/4, p2887-2902. 16p.
– Name: Subject
  Label: Subjects
  Group: Su
  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Spherical+geometry%22">Spherical geometry</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Machining%22">Machining</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Mechanical+engineering%22">Mechanical engineering</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22CAD%2FCAM+systems%22">CAD/CAM systems</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Interpolation%22">Interpolation</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Manufacturing+processes%22">Manufacturing processes</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Trajectories+%28Mechanics%29%22">Trajectories (Mechanics)</searchLink>
– Name: Abstract
  Label: Abstract
  Group: Ab
  Data: Spiral-threaded spherical components, though less commonly used than their cylindrical counterparts, play a vital role in high-performance engineering systems where sealing, spatial efficiency, and multi-axis articulation are paramount. These features are indispensable in specialized sectors such as sealed robotic joints, precision biomedical implants, and aerospace enclosures. Beyond their role as coupling elements, spherical threads may also serve as functional surface features, for example as channels for lubrication, sealing, or controlled fluid distribution. However, the generation of such threads remains a substantial challenge due to the lack of native support for spiral interpolation on curved geometries within conventional CAD/CAM environments. This paper introduces a parametric interpolation algorithm for directly computing spiral toolpaths on spherical surfaces, supporting user-defined parameters such as pitch, number of turns, and thread direction. Compatible with 5-axis CNC machines, the algorithm synchronizes linear motion (X, Y, Z) with rotational compensation (A, B), maintaining the tool orientation perpendicular to the local surface tangent and ensuring a uniform thread profile that cannot be achieved using. 3-axis machines. Applicable to both internal and external threads, the approach eliminates the need for multi-step CAD modeling and CAM programming by directly generating curvature-conforming toolpaths and CNC-ready G-code through an intuitive graphical interface, thereby reducing dependence on user expertise. The proposed framework provides a scalable solution for manufacturing compact, mechanically robust spherical threaded components, addressing an overlooked yet crucial capability in advanced machining practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
– Name: AbstractSuppliedCopyright
  Label:
  Group: Ab
  Data: <i>Copyright of International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract.</i> (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)
PLink https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=egs&AN=194162830
RecordInfo BibRecord:
  BibEntity:
    Identifiers:
      – Type: doi
        Value: 10.1007/s00170-026-18037-1
    Languages:
      – Code: eng
        Text: English
    PhysicalDescription:
      Pagination:
        PageCount: 16
        StartPage: 2887
    Subjects:
      – SubjectFull: Spherical geometry
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Machining
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Mechanical engineering
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: CAD/CAM systems
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Interpolation
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Manufacturing processes
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Trajectories (Mechanics)
        Type: general
    Titles:
      – TitleFull: Parametric 5-Axis CNC interpolation for spiral thread machining on spherical geometries.
        Type: main
  BibRelationships:
    HasContributorRelationships:
      – PersonEntity:
          Name:
            NameFull: Omirou, Sotiris
      – PersonEntity:
          Name:
            NameFull: Charalambides, Marios
      – PersonEntity:
          Name:
            NameFull: Demosthenous, George
    IsPartOfRelationships:
      – BibEntity:
          Dates:
            – D: 15
              M: 05
              Text: May2026
              Type: published
              Y: 2026
          Identifiers:
            – Type: issn-print
              Value: 02683768
          Numbering:
            – Type: volume
              Value: 144
            – Type: issue
              Value: 3/4
          Titles:
            – TitleFull: International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology
              Type: main
ResultId 1